Time capsule film of the first ever re-enactment of Battle of Hastings is unearthed and restored after nearly 60 years

Published: 00:02 BST, 6 October 2026 | Updated: 00:28 BST, 6 October 2026

A time capsule film of the first ever Battle of Hastings re-enactment has been unearthed and restored after almost 60 years.

And nearly six decades after the footage was given to English Heritage, the movie will be shown to the public for the first time this weekend.

The charity said that the film gives a unique insight into the ambitious attempt to recreate England's most famous battle on its 900th anniversary. 

Original footage of the historic movie shows hundreds of re-enactors clashing with weapons with a 'rather relaxed attitude towards health and safety.'

The faux battle was filmed by Alan Wootton, who ran an electronics business with his wife, Mary, in Hastings, East Sussex.

Together, they were commissioned by the town council to document the anniversary celebrations after they developed a way to record sound with silent home movies.

The couple's coverage of the Norman and Anglo-Saxon battle re-enactment was so successful, it became an annual event.

Today, the re-enactment is organised and held by English Heritage every October at Battle Abbey, East Sussex.

Footage from the first Battle of Hastings film which has been unearthed and restored after six decades

Re-enactors with pikes, shields and armour line-up on a field in Hastings, East Sussex 

Following Mr Wootton's death, his wife gave all 300 reels of film to their son, Cliff, who has been restoring the footage.

Cliff, who helped record sound for the original film, said: 'I was just 12 years old but Dad had me helping him at the 1966 re-enactment, so I was right there in the middle of it all.

'I remember it being a huge event and it was fascinating to work on the footage again after all these years.

'We're hugely proud of what Dad and Mum achieved with their film and sound equipment, and are delighted that English Heritage will be showing it to so many other people who share an interest in this fantastic piece of British history.'

English Heritage said the footage, which includes boisterous scenes of re-enactors marching down Battle High Street 'is likely to raise a few eyebrows amongst modern audiences'.   

James Witcombe, English Heritage site manager for Battle Abbey, said: 'This film is an incredible time capsule.

'It captures not only the first regular Battle of Hastings re-enactment but also the atmosphere of an event that continues, to this day, to bring history to life for thousands of people almost 1,000 years after the original battle.

'Some of what we see in Alan's film is certainly a reminder of just how much re-enactment - and health and safety - has changed over the past 60 years.'

At a modern edition of the event, two re-enactors fight viciously with one lunging with a sword

Swathes of re-enactors with pikes and colourful shields engage in battle as spectators watch on

Mr Witcombe added that ahead of the 60th re-enactment on October 10 and 11, the charity is looking to find the original participants and invite them back.

'We would love to hear from anyone who took part in that first event,' he said.

'We know that many of the original foot soldiers were recruited from Sussex and Kent Universities but have no record of names.

'If you recognise yourself, or a friend or relative, in the footage, please get in touch. We'd love to invite surviving 1966 re-enactors to join us as special guests at this weekend's re-enactment - now in its 60th year.'